Kingston applauds Uganda U-17s after CECAFA silver medal run

Uganda Cubs run at the tournament

Group B

Uganda 4 Burundi 0 (W)

Uganda 9 Sudan 0 (W)

Uganda 1 Tanzania 2 (L)

Uganda 6 Djibouti 0 (W)

Semifinal 

Uganda 3 Ethiopia 0 (W)

Final

Uganda 2 Tanzania 3 (L)

Uganda’s U-17 team, the Cubs, finished as silver medalists after losing 3–2 to Tanzania in the final of the AFCON U-17 CECAFA Qualifiers played on Tuesday 2nd in Ethiopia.

Uganda secured its place at the 2026 AFCON U-17 tournament in Morocco.

Head coach Laryea Kingston said his main focus is on helping the boys grow on the pitch.

“Winning is important and qualification is important, but the main focus for us is to see our boys developing well and doing the right things on the field,” he said.

He described the qualifiers as one of the most competitive tournaments he has coached in.

“This was a very competitive tournament. Some teams were stronger than others, and I would mention two that impressed me the most, which are Ethiopia and Tanzania,” he said.

Kingston noted that the three teams that qualified Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia earned their places.

“For me, it is fair to say that all three countries deserve to represent CECAFA because they are doing the right things in their development,” he said.

He explained that Uganda’s progress comes from helping players understand key ideas in the game.

“That means making sure the players understand a few key concepts in the build-up, then progressing gradually into the attacking phases,” he added.

Kingston commended his players for learning quickly during the competition.

“I give the credit to the players because not every young player learns quickly, but these boys surprised me,” he said.

The final began with Tanzania scoring in the 6th minute before Uganda equalised through Thomas Ogema in the 14th minute.

Tanzania struck again in the 30th and 35th minutes through Razack Juma, who scored twice, and Luqman Mbalasalu, giving them a 3–1 halftime lead.

The boys tried to respond in the second half, winning a penalty, but Ogema’s shot was saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.

The Cubs scored again in the 95th minute but could not find the equaliser as Tanzania held on to win.

Uganda reached the final after beating hosts Ethiopia 3–0 in the semi-final.

The Cubs had strong group-stage results, beating Burundi 4–0, Sudan 9–0, and Djibouti 6–0, and losing 2–1 to Tanzania in the group games.

The cubs finished the qualifiers with a total of 25 goals scored and conceded five goals.

Striker Thomas Ogema topped Uganda’s scorers with six goals, while captain Owen Mukisa scored four.

Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia will represent CECAFA at the 2026 AFCON U-17 tournament in Morocco.

The final was attended by several football leaders, including CECAFA Acting President Alexandre Muyenge, Tanzania FA President Wallace Karia and Ethiopia FA President Isayas Jira.

Players that represented Uganda 

Goalkeepers

Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA), Richard Mukisa (NEC Junior Team)

Defenders

Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA FC SA), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)

Midfielders

Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)

Forwards

Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC)